Computational Model of Selection by Consequences: Patterns of Preference Change on Concurrent Schedules Open Access

Kulubekova, Saule (2012)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/0c483k42t?locale=en
Published

Abstract

Abstract
Computational Model of Selection by Consequences:
Patterns of Preference Change on Concurrent Schedules
The computational model of selection by consequences is an ontogenetic dynamic
account of adaptive behavior based on the Darwinian principle of selection by
consequences. The model is a virtual organism based on a genetic algorithm, a class of
computational algorithms that instantiate the principles of selection, fitness, reproduction
and mutation. The computational model has been thoroughly tested in experiments with
a variety of single alternative and concurrent schedules. A number of published reports
demonstrated that the model generated patterns of behavior that were quantitatively
equivalent to the findings from live organisms. The experiments and analyses proposed
here assess the behavior of the computational model for evidence of preference change
phenomena identified and described by Davison, Baum, and their collaborators in
concurrent schedule experiments with pigeons. Three types of preference change
behavior observed in live organisms were tested in experiments with the virtual
organism: molar and molecular effects of behavioral adjustment in rapidly changing
environment and presence of preference pulses. The results of this study provide strong
evidence in support of the selectionist account of adaptive behavior.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Computational Model of Selection by Consequences 1
Testing the Model (2004 - present) 5
Preference Change: Molar and Molecular Patterns 8
Method 13
Subjects 13
Apparatus and Materials 13
Procedure 13
Results 16
Part I 16
Part II 20
Part III 22
Discussion 24
References 31
Appendix A 46
Appendix B 49

About this Dissertation

Rights statement
  • Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.
School
Department
Subfield / Discipline
Degree
Submission
Language
  • English
Research Field
Keyword
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor
Committee Members
Last modified

Primary PDF

Supplemental Files